Thanking a firefighter for their service seems as if it should go without saying, but really taking the time to thank them was a highlight of the 66th annual Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters’ Association Past President Brunch. 

Presided over by President Al Dumas and First Vice President Hon. Mark Meddaugh, the event took place on Sunday morning at the Villa Roma Clubhouse. 

“We continue to strive to survive, never to falter, and continue everything that brings the character and the well being of our organization,” Dumas said. “And with 100 years behind us I pray we continue for another hundred.”

This was followed by remarks from the association’s past president, Robert Trotti. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your president for the past year,” he said. “When I took this role I never could have imagined the journey that was ahead of me, but standing here today I’m filled with immense gratitude.”

Guest speaker Dan Hust, Sullivan County Director of Communications, spoke about his time as a reporter and editor of the Sullivan County Democrat, recounting going out on fire calls to report the story. He said that he would make sure to stay out of the firefighter’s way during these often dangerous situations. 

“People need to recognize and applaud you for what you do,” Hust remarked. “I’m sure there are times when you feel, ‘are people really noticing [us]’ and I’ll tell you–people really notice.” 

He went on to tell a personal story of a time when he “really noticed” those in the fire service, when they quickly responded to and extinguished a fire that engulfed his father’s framing shop in Kenoza Lake, as he and his mom looked on after fleeing from their house nearby.

During the presentation of awards several firefighters were honored. The Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to two firefighters: Mark Johnstone from the Liberty Fire Department and Joseph Hand from the Rock Hill Fire Department. 

They were recognized for their “heroic actions” on October 30, 2024 when they responded to a call at Tilly’s Diner in Monticello where a 70-year-old man was dragged and trapped under his vehicle after it unexpectedly reversed in the parking lot. Johnstone took control of a nearby Prestige tow truck, and with the help of Hand, safely extracted the victim who was transported to the hospital in stable condition.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to two firefighters: past Chief and 40-year member and former President Craig Burkle of the Narrowsburg Fire Department and Bloomingburg Past Chief and current chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners Thomas Dempsey.

The event ended with a roll call of past presidents dating back to 1927.